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Lucques

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Stylish, unique and authentic, Lucques is simply one of the culinary wonders that give Los Angeles locals and visitors something to talk about. Think of Lucques as simplicity at its finest — the art of having enough, but not too much. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Lucques has a reputation as being one of the best restaurants in town, and it looks the part. Guests will walk into a chic and sophisticated dining room with a cozy fireplace next to the bar; the romantic, quiet ambience gives Lucques a New York feel, except more approachable with a modern and elegant California flair. The menu offers unique and creative dishes made fresh and always delicious.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

• Any store or restaurant that can survive on the competitive Melrose Avenue can be considered the real deal and, open for business there since 1998, Lucques has proven its staying power as one of the best Los Angeles restaurants.

• Lucques is very calm, cool and classy — there is no need to work hard to impress anyone. Even though it’s in the middle of the Hollywood frenzy, think of Lucques as a place to go to escape that for an hour or so. Most guests are enjoying a quiet dinner with their date, family or coworkers. Ultimately, everyone is there for one purpose: to eat a great meal in a comfortable environment.

• Chef Suzanne Goin is one of the nation’s top female chefs. Along with her business partner, Caroline Styne, she has a small restuarant empire in LA.

Things to Know

• Lucques is located at 8474 Melrose Avenue on one of West Hollywood’s most famous blocks. As the Hollywood “it” spot, Melrose is known around the world for being a high-end shopping destination and the place to go if you’re looking for a great restaurant. West Hollywood is also the playground for many celebrities to shop, play and eat, so it’s likely that celebrity spotting will occur.

• Lucques is open for dinner daily and for lunch five days each week. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 2:30 p.m.; the menu features starters, entrees and desserts but is slightly more abbreviated than the dinner menu.

• Lucques is a sophisticated dining establishment and most people who go to eat there dress the part. Ladies can wear jeans with heels and a nice blouse or a cocktail dress — in L.A., anything goes. As for the guys, no need to get the suit pressed. Jeans, a slick pair of shoes and a nice button-down will work just fine.

- On Sundays, a special price fix themed menu is served. Goin’s Sunday Suppers have a cult-like following and an entire cookbook devoted to them.

• With lunch options ranging from a hearty turkey club BLT on challah with burrata to Niman Ranch steak frites with arugula salad, béarnaise and housemade fries, there’s plenty to choose from during the midday.